SBS has proven its overwhelming content power as it kicks off the second half of the year with a string of successful new drama and variety show lineups. From the new Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated to the Tuesday variety show High Valley, Top Hero and the Thursday variety show Match To Marry: With Parents 2, the network has dominated both television ratings and OTT rankings in their first week, signaling an unstoppable winning streak.
▲ Agent Kim Reactivated Surpasses 15% Ratings in Just 2 Episodes… A Historic Milestone Not Seen in 5 Years
The biggest sensation is the new Friday-Saturday drama Agent Kim Reactivated (written by Nam Dae-joong, directed by Lee Seung-young and Lee So-eun), starring So Jisub. After premiering with a 9.8% rating in the metropolitan area on June 26, the drama surged to 15.9% in the metropolitan area and peaked at 18.1% by its second episode. This marks the first time any drama across all channels has surpassed 15% ratings within just two episodes since The Penthouse: War in life in 2021.
The show also claimed the number one spot on the Netflix daily rankings, proving its massive popularity. Based on the hit webtoon of the same name, the action series depicts the desperate paternal love of a legendary former special agent who is now a typical Korean father. So Jisub’s overwhelming screen presence—helpless in front of his daughter but explosive in the face of danger—combined with the relatable comedic performances of Choi Dae-hoon and Yoon Kyungho, has been praised for successfully launching a new "Dad Universe."
▲ A Breath of Fresh Air Amidst Dopamine-Fueled Shows: LIM YOUNGWOONG’s High Valley, Top Hero Strikes a Chord
Tuesday nights are now in the hands of singer LIM YOUNGWOONG and his wholesome life. High Valley, Top Hero, which premiered on June 23, offered perfect relaxation to viewers exhausted by stimulating "dopamine-heavy" variety shows, taking the number one spot among Tuesday variety programs. It recorded a household rating of 5% with a peak of 6.5% per minute, and climbed as high as 4th on Netflix.
The chemistry between LIM YOUNGWOONG, who left civilization for the mountains, and his friends—actor Hyun Bong-sik, comedian Heo Kyung-hwan, and singer ZO ZAZZ—brought fresh laughter. In particular, LIM YOUNGWOONG’s honest confession at the end of the episode, where he calmly shared his musical concerns by saying, "I don't think I'm a singer with a hit song," resonated deeply with viewers and heightened anticipation for the next episode.
▲ Steamy Romance and High Stakes: Thursday Variety Powerhouse Match To Marry: With Parents 2
Match To Marry: With Parents 2, which heats up Thursday nights, also made a fiery start that surpassed the popularity of its first season, taking the number one spot on Netflix for variety shows. From the very first episode, the cast’s bold flirting and high tension signaled the start of an intense matchmaking journey.
This season, the contestants' clear-cut values stood out. Experienced MC Kim Yo-han offered sharp advice, stating, "You must clarify your religion before getting to know each other. Otherwise, it’s hard to sustain a relationship." When a female contestant’s mother correctly guessed that a male contestant was Christian just by hearing his name, Kim Yo-han wittily remarked, "She probably guessed it because his name is Ye-chan (Praise Jesus). Since my name is Yo-han (John), I guess I’m a free pass," turning the studio into a sea of laughter.
With SBS’s "golden lineup" capturing both television audiences and global OTT platforms, the broadcasting industry is watching closely to see how much further this momentum will shake up the media market.
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